Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed: Three Essential Things to Accept
Are your wisdom teeth, the third molars, and the last teeth erupting in your mouth still present in the jaw? They might not have caused any problems making you think the teeth are harmless and can remain in your jaw indefinitely.
You would be an exception if your wisdom teeth usually erupted and aren’t causing any issues. Unfortunately, many people require wisdom teeth removal in Toronto because the teeth are impacted (lying below the gum line), erupting at wrong angles, their jaw doesn’t have sufficient room for them, the teeth are painful, and they are responsible for cavities and gum disease. Dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal or extraction to prevent the complications described above to benefit your dental and overall health.
Dentists or oral surgeons perform wisdom teeth extractions in their office as an outpatient procedure allowing you to return home on the day of the removal. The area around the tooth targeted for extraction is numbed by giving local anesthesia combined with sedation if you are anxious about the process.
If you are slated for a surgical procedure for wisdom teeth extraction near, you must ensure you collect all information from your dentist on what you can expect and what you must avoid after undergoing the removal. At the same time, the professionals provide comprehensive instructions on what you can or cannot do.
Concentrate on the three things mentioned below to prevent complications after wisdom teeth removal
1. Prevent Dry Sockets
Approximately five percent of wisdom tooth removal processes result in dry sockets. Dry sockets are familiar in the lower jaw if wisdom teeth extractions happen in the area. Dry sockets occur due to the lack of blood clot formation or dislodging of the blood clot. The symptoms of dry sockets become evident approximately 48 hours after the procedure. They involve pain in the extraction site radiating towards the ear, causing bad breath and leaving an awful taste in the mouth.
If you wish to avoid a dry socket, you must prevent rinsing vigorously for 24 hours after your procedure. In addition, you must refrain from smoking for at least a couple of days after the removal to help the recovery and avoid the chances of dislodging the blood clot. The wisdom teeth removal procedure is an excellent opportunity to consider quitting smoking for good because it is responsible for multiple health problems. You can seek smoking cessation advice from the dentist to remove your teeth.
2. Watch Your Diet
After the wisdom teeth removal, you will find it challenging to start having your regular diet of crunchy and hard foods, especially during the initial 24 hours. Therefore you must rely on a diet of soft foods that don’t require excessive chewing. You can consider foods like eggs, applesauce, and soups, ensuring the soup isn’t scorching.
Dental professionals recommend avoiding sticky and spicy foods to prevent irritating the extraction site. You must remain hydrated by sipping plenty of water without sucking it using a straw because it can dislodge the blood clot. You might confront challenges brushing your teeth around the extraction site during the first 24 hours. However, you must clean the area by using a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle strokes and not brushing the area aggressively. After a day, you can consider using a salt water rinse in your mouth 3 to 4 times per day to disinfect your mouth.
3. Manage Discomfort Appropriately
Surgical processes cause pain, soreness, and swelling. You receive after-care instructions to manage your discomfort as you leave the dentist’s office. Follow your dentist’s instructions to manage your pain comfortably.
Dentists recommend a prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers to ease pain after wisdom teeth removal near you. Ensure that you take the medications soon as you notice the anesthesia from the surgery wearing off and use the recommended dosage. You might also receive antibiotics to prevent infections in the mouth. Ensure you complete the course without skipping doses because you might become a victim of conditions.
Swelling in the mouth is standard after wisdom tooth removal surgery. You can use an ice pack on your cheeks during the initial 24 hours and switch to moist heat after 36 hours. Ensure you get sufficient rest without indulging in regular activities for a couple of days. Most importantly, exercise your jaw by opening and closing your mouth.
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal procedures requires a week or less. However, the tooth socket needs time to fill with new bone and will recover in a few months. However, if you experience discomfort or pain at the extraction site, contact your dentist for advice without wasting time.
Toronto East Maxillofacial Surgery performs many wisdom teeth removal procedures on patients, emphasizing the need to take precautions after removing the problematic teeth. If you need the third molars extracted and recover without complications, kindly schedule your appointment with the best dentist for the teeth removal.